Wear & Pack
Weather by Stop (late September) ›
Singapore
Hot & humid, ~79–90°F. Brief afternoon thunderstorms — pack light, breathable fabrics.
Malaysia · Taman Negara & Penang
Tropical, ~75–90°F, very humid with possibility of rain in the jungle.
Bali · Ubud
Warm, ~75–88°F, tail of the dry season but humid with occasional showers. Light clothing; a light layer for cooler Ubud evenings.
Logistics
Before You Go — Read & Watch ›
First time in this part of the world? A few books and films to set the mood on the long flight over — most are on Netflix, Prime, or Audible.
🇸🇬 Singapore
Crazy Rich Asians — Kevin Kwan (2013 novel & 2018 film). Glamorous, funny, and set right around Marina Bay, where we're staying — the perfect scene-setter.
Ponti — Sharlene Teo. A quieter, atmospheric novel if you'd like something more literary.
Ilo Ilo (film) — an award-winning, tender drama for a grounded look at everyday Singapore.
🇲🇾 Malaysia & the E&O Train
The Gift of Rain — Tan Twan Eng. Set in George Town, Penang — exactly where the train takes us.
The Garden of Evening Mists — Tan Twan Eng (2012 novel & 2019 film). Lush and haunting, set in the Malaysian highlands.
Murder on the Orient Express — Agatha Christie. Pure vintage-rail glamour for our nights aboard the Belmond E&O.
🇮🇩 Bali
Eat Pray Love — Elizabeth Gilbert (2006 memoir & 2010 film). The final act unfolds in Ubud, right where Mandapa sits.
A House in Bali — Colin McPhee. The beloved classic on Balinese music, art, and village life.